Membrane formation in the chamber angle after failure of argon laser trabeculoplasty: analysis of risk factors
Open Access
- 1 January 2000
- journal article
- Published by BMJ in British Journal of Ophthalmology
- Vol. 84 (1), 48-53
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.84.1.48
Abstract
AIM Membrane formation in the chamber angle induced by argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) can be a cause of treatment failure. Identification of risk factors for membrane formation was the primary aim of this retrospective study. METHODS Semithin sections of trabeculectomy specimens obtained in a 2 year period were examined by light microscopy. 122 eyes which were treated with one or more ALTs before trabeculectomy were identified. In 46 eyes, a sufficient amount of trabecular meshwork was obtained to permit morphological analysis. RESULTS Eyes treated with ALT had a significantly higher incidence of membrane formation (p=0.001). In 23/46 specimens a cellular and collagenous membrane was observed covering the entire trabecular meshwork. In 14/23 specimens (61%), this membrane was readily visible at low power magnification (×40). Comparison of these eyes with those without membrane formation revealed a significant difference in the number of ALTs (mean 2.07 (SD 0.73) v 1.48 (0.59); p=0.026) and in preoperative IOP (32.0 (9.7) v 26.2 (8.4) mm Hg; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Membrane formation in the chamber angle is a frequent cause of ALT failure. The major risk factor is the number of ALTs performed.Keywords
This publication has 40 references indexed in Scilit:
- The effects of different energy levels in argon laser trabeculoplastyActa Ophthalmologica, 2009
- [Complications of argon laser trabeculoplasty].1989
- Risk Factors for the Development of Tenon's Capsule Cysts after TrabeculectomyOphthalmology, 1989
- The effect of argon laser trabeculoplasty upon the normal human trabecular meshworkAlbrecht von Graefes Archiv für Ophthalmologie, 1989
- The Effect of Repeat Argon Laser TrabeculoplastyAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology, 1988
- The Development Encapsulated Filtering BlebsOphthalmology, 1988
- Trabecular Cell Division After Argon Laser TrabeculoplastyAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology, 1988
- Therapeutic limitations of argon laser trabeculoplasty.British Journal of Ophthalmology, 1988
- Failed Laser Trabeculoplasty Requiring Surgery in Open-Angle GlaucomaOphthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging Retina, 1987
- Retreatment with Argon Laser TrabeculoplastyOphthalmology, 1987